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Many consider Bridge Mountain to be part of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This is because it is an obvious landmark seen from all points in Red Rock Canyon, and the main access route to Bridge Mountain is from the Willow Spring Picnic and Trailhead area of Red Rock Canyon. However, Bridge Mountain is actually in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, just below the Northern section of the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline.
Bridge Mountain is one of the most popular destinations for hikers and rock climbers visiting of Red Rock Canyon. It offers a variety of challenges from class 3 to class 5 and beyond rock climbing.
The views from Bridge Mountain summit are spectacular, including Red Rock Canyon, the Las Vegas Valley and beyond, the Calico and Brownstone Basins and the Keystone Thrust Cliffs in the La Madre Mountains Wilderness.
I have made it to the final summit approach of Bridge Mountain but not yet to the summit. This is in part due to first eating up a lot of time on the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline, taking that route to North Peak. So, as of this time I can only offer video, image and text documentation to the final summit approach.
Though I have not yet made it to the summit, I have viewed Bridge Mountain from above on North Peak and the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline
The best time of year to summit Bridge Mountain is during the Fall or Spring months. Summer temperatures can rise to around 100 degrees. Winter can bring ice and snow, turning the smooth ancient Jurassic Era frozen sand dunes that make up Bridge Mountain into treacherous slick icy surfaces with huge vertical exposures.
From I-215 take the Charleston Blvd exit (at Red Rock Casino) and head upward through Summerlin toward Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Take the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive past the high point overlook to the Willow Spring picnic area between White Rock Mountain and the Rainbow Mountains that border the West side of Red Rock Canyon. Take Rocky Gap Road from Willow Spring picnic area. The summit area or Rocky Gap Road is about 5 miles from Willow Spring. There you will find the Bridge Mountain Trailhead. This is also the North Peak Trailhead.
The Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline is about a mile up from the Bridge Mountain Trailhead. The trail is excellent. Once on the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline, a left turn (North) will take you to North Peak in about 1/4th mile. Instead, turn right (South) for Bridge Mountain. As you continue on the ridgeline, Bridge Mountain soon comes into view. The Upper Crest Ridgeline will descend for a bit, then ascend to the next high point. At that high point, the Bridge Mountain Trail takes a left (East) and descends from the Upper Crest Ridgeline to the base of Bridge Mountain. Once you cross over onto the Jurassic Era frozen dune of Bridge Mountain there will be cairns to guide the way.
I have descended to the base of Bridge Mountain, but not yet begun the ascent to the summit. That will happen soon.
David Smith has devoted the better part of one day each week over the past 20 years to experiencing a mountain trail running adventure. He began in the Pacific Northwest with the Columbia Gorge and Cascade Mountains; then moved to Southern California and experienced the Angeles Crest mountains; then the Northeast where he experienced the Hudson River Valley and Minnewaska; finally in 2016 to Las Vegas where he is experiencing and documenting Red Rock Canyon, the Spring Mountains (Mt. Charleston area), Death Valley and beyond!
Return often to experience one new adventure each week! From the home page scroll to “Most Recent Adventures“. More about David Smith…
The trail adventures on this website require proper conditioning, preparation and safety precautions. There are many factors beyond our control including weather conditions, unstable ground, loose rocks, insects and snakes, people you may encounter, your own level of physical conditioning, the potential of getting lost just to mention a few. While this site offers guidance, helpful tips, direction and training, the reader assumes full responsibility for whatever may occur during their trail adventure. Have fun and be safe!
